China: Emperor Zhengde, 11th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1505-1521). The Zhengde Emperor (1491-1521) was the 11th emperor of China (Ming Dynasty), ruling from 1505 to 1521. Born Zhu Houzhao, he was the Hongzhi Emperor's eldest son. His era name means 'Rectification of Virtue'. Though bred to be a successful ruler, Zhengde thoroughly neglected his duties, starting a dangerous trend that would plague future Ming emperors. The abandoning of official duties to pursue personal whims would slowly lead to the rise of powerful eunuchs that would dominate and eventually ruin the Ming Dynasty.

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Emperor Zhengde, 11th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1505-1521). Personal Name: Zhu Houzhao, Zhū Hòuzhào Posthumous Name: Yidi, Yìdì Temple Name: Wuzong, Wǔzōng Reign Name: Ming Zhengde, Ming Zhèngdé The Zhengde Emperor was 11th emperor of China (Ming Dynasty) between 1505-1521. Born Zhu Houzhao, he was the Hongzhi Emperor's eldest son. His era name means 'Rectification of Virtue'. Though bred to be a successful ruler, Zhengde thoroughly neglected his duties, beginning a dangerous trend that would plague future Ming emperors. The abandoning of official duties to pursue personal gratifications would slowly lead to the rise of powerful eunuchs that would dominate and eventually ruin the Ming Dynasty.

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